A mighty Sorcerer, remembered only as "The Sorcerer King" conquered the entire central continent of Valenor, destroying the elven kingdoms. Only the Elves fleeing beyond the "Verdant Veil" were spared.
The war will go on for nearly 400 years, bringing the Elf people near to extinction. The Sorcerer King was a follower of the The Ancient Myths, and can summon creatures from beyon the Void.
Thanks to Arva's blessing, the heroic Elven King Erthanir was able to kill the Witch King and save the last of his people. From this moment on, the elves take the name of "Sun Elf" as their auspicious name, and dedicate their main temples to Arva.